According to the ''Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', the [[New Atheism|new atheists]] "believe empirical science is the only (or at least the best) basis for genuine knowledge of the world, and they insist that a belief can be epistemically justified only if it is based on adequate evidence."<ref>[http://www.iep.utm.edu/n-atheis/ The New Atheists]</ref>
Prior to his stroke Dawkins said, "If you base medicine on science, you cure people."<ref>[http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/884804-science-works-planes-fly-cars-drive-computers-compute-if-you Dawkins' quotes]</ref> Doctors of medicine receive years of extensive training in fields such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and medical science. Additionally, they have extensive clinical experience. Furthermore, excellent doctors keep themselves abreast of the latest developments in medicine through medical journals. Yet, Dawkins disregarded the medical advice of his doctors and had poor results to show for it (Dawkins willfully disregarded the sound advice of several doctors and not merely one doctor).<ref>[http://www.religionnews.com/2016/02/15/richard-dawkins-stroke-due-to-stress/ Richard Dawkins says stroke caused by stress over controversy], Religion New Service</ref>
In addition, there are multiple examples of new atheists engaging in unhealthy lifestyle choices (see: [[New Atheism leaders and unhealthy lifestyles]]).